Discover What's Behind the Numbers in Financial Statements

What you'll Learn

• Discover how balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements are developed and how each interacts
• Evaluate the financial health of a business using financial statements
• Understand GAAP and IFRS standards
• Prepare and evaluate financial forecasts to make strategic decisions
• Value a venture, project, or investment opportunity and perform a sensitivity analysis

About the Professor

V.G. Narayanan

Business Administration

V.G. Narayanan is the Thomas D. Casserly, Jr. Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School and chair of the MBA program’s second-year elective curriculum. He has served as the course head for the first-year required accounting course for MBA students, Financial Reporting and Control, and chairs several executive education programs. His research in management accounting focuses on understanding how firms can use incentives and feedback to improve performance.

Who Will Benefit

College Students and Recent Graduates

Learn the language of business through accounting as you gain the skills and knowledge to analyze financial statements.

Those Considering an MBA

Prepare for the MBA classroom with the program Harvard Business School offers to incoming students.

Mid-Career Professionals

Gain confidence in your ability to understand financial statements and communicate financial results.

The HBS Online Advantage

Harvard Business School Online offers a unique and highly engaging way to learn vital business concepts. Immerse yourself in real challenges faced by business leaders across a variety of industries. Financial Accounting puts you in the shoes of an equity research analyst, yoga studio owner, and leader of one of the largest nonprofits in the United States. You’ll wrestle with the same issues they faced, while problem-solving and interacting with fellow learners from around the world.

• World-class faculty
• Edge-of-your-seat online learning
• Global peer collaboration and networking
• Real-world, case-based learning

Stories From Our Learners

Gaurang Manjrekar,

Technology Consultant

“A few weeks into the course, accounting terminology came alive as I realized why accounting is the language of business. I can now talk confidently with clients and understand the business aspect of their problems.”

Richard Pitts,

Chief Medical Officer

“Daily, I use the accounting principles succinctly enumerated by Professor Narayanan. I especially use what I learned in the volunteer work that I do as a board member for two nonprofit organizations.”

Information

• SYLLABUS

  Business Analytics introduces quantitative methods used to analyze data and make better management decisions. This course is not based on rote memorization of equations or facts, but focuses on honing your understanding of key concepts, your managerial judgment, and your ability to apply course concepts to real business problems. Learn More

• Request More Information

  Sign up to receive additional information about this course. Find out what other learners are doing with the skills they gained, and evaluate if this course is the right fit for you. Learn More

• Frequently Asked Questions

  Do I have to log in at a set time? How does the grading process work? At this point, you probably have a few questions, and we’ve got answers. Learn More

• Enrollment Eligibility

  Our easy online application is free, and no special documentation is required. All applicants must be at least 18 years of age, proficient in English, and committed to learning and engaging with fellow participants throughout the course. We confirm enrollment eligibility within one week of your application. Learn More